Russia disappointed over additional EU sanctions

Moscow expressed disappointment over the EU’s newly imposed sanctions against Russia, stressing that it is not worthy of the European Union.

“Instead of trying to solve the situation through
de-escalation, disarmament of the Right Sector, improvement of
dialogue between Kiev’s authorities and Ukrainian regions, EU
colleagues are demonstrating a one-sided and one-dimensional
policy, not worthy of the European Union,” Itar-Tass quoted
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov as saying.

Further sanctions were introduced on Monday following the results
of referendums that have been announced in Donetsk and Lugansk
Regions, showing the majority of voters support self-rule, amid
an intensified military operation by Kiev which resulted in
several deaths.

EU foreign ministers have expanded their sanctions over Russia's
actions in Ukraine, adding two Crimean companies and 13 people to
the bloc's blacklist, EU diplomats stated.

The sanctions will come into effect Tuesday. Earlier, 48 Russians
and Ukrainians were targeted by EU asset freezes and visa bans
over Crimea joining Russia in March.

Among the individuals banned entry to the EU are the chief
prosecutor of Crimea and Internet sensation Natalia Poklonskaya and her colleague from Sevastopol, Igor
Shevchenko. Also the list includes influential individuals such
as the deputy head of the presidential administration, Vyacheslav
Volodin, the Commander of airborne troops Vladimir Shamanov,
State Duma deputy Vladimir Pligin, Crimean administration chiefs
and six pro-autonomy activists in eastern Ukraine, reported
Itar-Tass.

Following the referendum results, Donetsk People's Republic has
proclaimed itself a sovereign state and has asked Moscow to
consider its accession into Russia, the Republic’s council said.

Russia is taking its time before reacting to Donetsk
People's Republic’s plea while calling for dialogue between Kiev
and the eastern regions.